Сompetitive power of the welfare state theories: analysis of Lev Tikhomirov's concept of «combined power»

This article is devoted to the analysis of the welfare state theories and their correlation with the concept of «combined power» offered by Lev Tikhomirov. Giving an overview of recent literature on the topic, the author traces the origins of the welfare state concept and looks into the basis of Tikhomirov's ideas considering the structure of power and the way in which power relations are functioning. The author concludes that Tikhomirov's concept of «combined power» offers methods of establishing a self-renewing and therefore stable system of social policies, that is why the concept might be considered an essential methodological tool not only for scholars, but also for politicians.